Senior Director, Fundraising and Special Events

Position: Senior Director, Fundraising and Special Events

Department: Advancement and Innovation

Role Overview: The Senior Director of Fundraising and Special Events serves in a leadership role, and is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing a cohesive and comprehensive event strategy for Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (LCPA) and the Lincoln Center Corporate Fund (LCCF). This position manages the P&L for all signature events to support LCPA and LCCF’s mission and to drive financial growth and engagement.

Housed in the Advancement and Innovation department of LCPA, the Senior Director will report directly to the SVP, Trustee and Leadership Giving. Alongside the SVP, they will lead philanthropic efforts through our 5+ annual major events and dozens of membership events to drive over $10 million in revenue.

Given the nature of this role, the ideal candidate must possess strong donor management and front-line fundraising capabilities, project and time management abilities, and demonstrate ease and effectiveness in managing relationships across all levels of seniority. A key component of the role will be working across the Advancement and Innovation department and area leads across the organization to integrate special events strategy with organizational and department goals. The Senior Director will help drive revenue success towards budget and impact targets.

The Senior Director must have a proven record in growing annual events, launching new events that enhance revenue streams, and cultivating donor relationships through events platforms. They must also demonstrate a passion for Lincoln Center’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

What you’ll get to do here:

• Lead a 6-member team responsible for fundraising, sponsorship, leadership management, event operations, project management, ticketing, and member management
• Manage the P&L for an annual $13 million events portfolio which includes 4-5 fundraising galas plus an additional 50 events and meetings
• Develop revenue growth strategy through individual support, sponsorship, ticket sales, or other monetization strategies
• Lead the fundraising, planning, production, and logistics for a portfolio of institutional events
• Partner across the organization to bridge artistic and programmatic priorities and communication strategies to build and execute dynamic, inclusive, and impactful events
• Overall management of budgets including preparation, negotiations, accurate and timely forecasts for both revenue and expenses, and identifying risks and opportunities in the planning process
• Develop standardized systems and resource allocation plans to increase team efficiencies and assess the impact of all events
• Build and maintain relationships with vendors, venues, and consultants
• Manage and mentor team members, as well as support their professional development
• Serve as a Team Lead in the Advancement and Innovation Department and collaborate closely with team leads across different verticals (Business Development, Institutional Giving, Board Relations, Individual Giving, Research and Operations)
• Stay up-to-date with best-in-class in-person, hybrid, and virtual event engagement trends, technology, education, knowledge, and skills

You’ll be a great fit if you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree with 12+ years of progressive experience in events, fundraising, leadership, and people management preferred. 6+ years of management or leadership experience required.
• Must be able to work independently and under pressure, managing multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Previous supervisory/managerial experience and familiarity with budgeting and financial management
• Proven experience in event operations management, production organization, and coordination of vendors including security, audiovisual, catering, décor, lighting, artists, etc.
• Proven experience in front-line fundraising, donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies and techniques; experience working with the Board of Directors and event leadership committees
• Ability to work evening events, approximately 50 times per year, plus weekends when needed
• Excellent people skills, collaborative and relationship-building approach with internal and external partners
• Superb written and verbal communication skills and experience in corresponding with high-profile donors requiring high-touch stewardship
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with strong prioritization instincts
• Excellent judgment and problem-solving skills
• A love of learning, community, and the arts

What is Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts?

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (LCPA) is the world’s leading performing arts center in the heart of New York City. In these times of heightened anxiety and vigilance, we are holding on to the important role the arts play in our lives: they nourish our hearts and minds, teach us valuable lessons and critical skills, and help us create community. We are resolved not to lose sight of what connects us, and we hope you will consider joining our talented, diverse team.

We are:

• The manager of the Lincoln Center Campus.
• We are part of 16 acres of activity and one of eleven amazing resident organizations
• A leading Arts Presenter.
• We curate a number of series showcasing music, dance, and theater
• An Education Hub.
• We have reached 20 million students, educators, principals, and community members

Who are our people?

Lincoln Center is a diverse team of dreamers, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who use unique platforms in the heart of New York City and beyond to advocate for the transformative impact of artistic experiences.

Lincoln Center People imagine and create in concert with this mission by founding President John D. Rockefeller III - "The arts are not for the privileged few, but for the many. Their place is not on the periphery of daily life, but at its center."

Lincoln Center welcomes applicants from all sectors who agilely solve problems, show up as they are, and can't stop innovating.

Who is our President and CEO?

Henry Timms is the co-founder of #GivingTuesday and the co-author of New Power.

Join us!

It is the policy of Lincoln Center to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, marital or civil partnership/union status, familial or caregiver status, alienage or citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, military or veteran status, genetic information, predisposition, or carrier status, unemployment status, domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking victim status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. LCPA is committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation.